ONLY a second defeat of the season for Tongham – playing their penultimate fixture – gives Fernhurst a slender chance of snatching the I’Anson Division Two title.

If Fernhurst beat Tilford II this Saturday and Tongham get no points against Frensham II, the teams will be on the same average and Fernhurst will be champions because they will have won more games.

All other scenarios mean that Tongham will lift the Herald Shield and both sides will be promoted to Division One.

Only Badshot Lea will drop down from the nine-team division, sparing Elstead or Witley relegation to Division Three.

Pirbright, promotion contenders for much of the season, beat Tongham by 17 runs. Ivan Wright hit 56 after Pirbright had chosen to bat first and good supporting knocks from captain James Thompson (36) and Rob Percival (26) lifted the total to a challenging 193.

Liam Gadd (9-0-10-3) had bowled an excellent spell for Tongham, but saw his side come up short with the bat. Gurang kept them in the hunt with 39, but Pirbright managed to dismiss the home side for 176.

Fernhurst set out to score quickly against lowly Badshot Lea and did just that, reaching 208 all out in the 40th over. Opener James Johnson (38) and Ally Kidd (44) led the way. Badshot Lea never got going and, batting ten men, were shot out for 55 in 22 overs.

Witley have put in a strong finish to the season and a valiant last-wicket stand earned them victory away to Grayshott II. As ever, Grayshott sold their wickets dearly and the top three of Andy Lang (32), Will Phipps (37) and Richard Baker (47), plus a useful knock from Ian Scanlon (29 not out), ensured a challenging total of 186-5. Chris Munday was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3-29 in his nine overs.

Witley lost three quick wickets before Adam Keane (35) and Jimmy Hill got the run-chase underway. Nick Russell then took control with a fine 53, well supported by James Farrelly, and a superb effort by tailenders Charlie Hunt and Munday got Witley over the line in the 43rd over.

Frensham II never broke the shackles of miserly bowling at the Green and were restricted to 136-9 in their 45 overs, with Ben Matthews recording remarkable figures of 9-3-11-4. Gavin Nesbitt and Henry Bate then cracked 58 and 69 not out respectively as Tilford II powered to a nine-wicket victory.